Teenage Socceroo Lucas Herrington is on the cusp of a transfer to Premier League club Hull City, a move that would set a new Australian record for the highest transfer fee.
Reports indicate negotiations are underway with MLS club Colorado Rapids for a fee estimated between AUD $35 million and $38 million. This would surpass the previous Australian record of $23 million set by Harry Souttar's transfer to Leicester City in 2023. At present, Herrington would also be the only Socceroo in the Premier League for the upcoming season.
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali confirmed the club's interest in the young defender to the BBC, stating, "He's (got) very big potential. Very young boy. I think (a) future star. We are very close, very close." Ilicali anticipates a decision within a week.
Herrington, an 18-year-old central defender, has been a subject of European club interest, including from Barcelona and Liverpool, since prior to the World Cup. His strong performances for the Socceroos, particularly during the World Cup, have intensified this attention. He played a full match on Sunday in Colorado Rapids' 1-0 victory over Austin FC, which may have been his final appearance for the club as his contract runs until 2029 with an option for an additional year.
Herrington, a product of Brisbane Roar, was part of the MLS All-Star team earlier in the week. While made available to local media, questions regarding a potential transfer were reportedly off-limits. The Colorado Rapids' next match is scheduled for August 16, suggesting Sunday's game was likely his last.
Should the transfer materialize, Herrington would join fellow Socceroos breakout talents Patrick Beach and Paul Okon-Engstler in securing moves to top European leagues following the World Cup. Attacker Nestory Irankunda has also been linked with a move away from Watford.
Herrington's calm and composed performances at the World Cup belied his youth. He notably stepped up to take a penalty during a shootout against Egypt, though his shot hit the crossbar.
Brisbane Roar had previously cashed in on Herrington when Colorado Rapids bought out the sell-on clause for the teenager. This decision is now poised to cost the A-League Men club millions.